Plow Prioritization: Indy's Residential Side Streets Face Uncertain Plowing Fate

In Indianapolis's Martindale-Brightwood area, residents are facing uncertainty about when - or if - their residential side streets will be plowed. The issue was highlighted by a resident who sent a complaint email to Councilman Ron Gibson (D) after Sunday's snowfall.

Gibson explained that the city's Department of Public Works (DPW) is prioritizing primary, secondary, and connector roads due to operational constraints. He noted that the DPW has only 70 trucks in operation, making it challenging to reach every side street.

"Snow removal was possibly unlikely due to budget and operational constraints," Gibson said. "There's budgeting constraint in terms of how much capacity the crews can take on in-terms of snow removal. So, if we move to side streets, we'll have to engage contractors to help, which would increase the cost."

Gibson commended the DPW's 12-hour shifts and acknowledged that not all side streets will be plowed.

"Being realistic, we would not get to every side street in Indianapolis," Gibson said.

Resident Vincent Gulliver expressed frustration about the situation. "I get it's a complicated thing... We don't know if we'll get another storm like this later this season, but at the same time, we do need these roads plowed."

Gulliver revealed that he hasn't left his home since Sunday's snowfall and is prepared to take matters into his own hands. "I guess try to dig my car out and hope for the best," he said.

Gibson indicated that the city will reassess its snow removal strategy after this next snowfall, deciding which side streets will be plowed.